ServicesTestimonialsFAQArticlesContactFree Consultation

Travel and life in Japan

Taking a Taxi in Japan: Phrases, Payment and Etiquette

By the Hanabuddies team · · 2 min read

Taking a taxi in Japan is easy: wave one down or join the queue at a taxi rank, let the rear left door open by itself, and tell the driver where to go with 〜までお願いします (… made onegai shimasu, “To …, please”). Showing the address or a map pin on your phone works too, which helps because drivers often don’t speak English. Most taxis take credit cards and many take IC transport cards, you don’t tip, and you can ask for a receipt with 領収書をお願いします. This guide covers the phrases and etiquette you need.

Finding a taxi

  • Taxi ranks (タクシー乗り場) are at stations, airports, hotels and big shops. Join the queue.
  • On the street, raise your hand. A light showing 空車 (kuusha) in red means the taxi is free; 賃走 or 実車 means it’s taken.
  • Taxi apps are widely used in big cities and let you book, set the destination and pay in the app.
  • In rural areas, taxis can be scarce, so ask your hotel to call one: タクシーを呼んでいただけますか.

Getting in

The driver opens and closes the rear left door with a lever, so don’t slam it or pull it shut. Sit in the back, put on your seat belt and give your destination. In Japan, many addresses are hard to find, so a landmark, a hotel name or a phone number for the driver’s navigation helps.

Phrases for the ride

  • 〜までお願いします。To …, please.
  • この住所までお願いします。To this address, please. (show your phone)
  • どのくらいかかりますか。How long will it take? / How much will it be?
  • 急いでいます。I’m in a hurry.
  • ここで止めてください。Please stop here.
  • トランクを開けていただけますか。Could you open the boot?

Paying

  • カードで払えますか。Can I pay by card?
  • 交通系ICカードは使えますか。Can I use an IC transport card?
  • 領収書をお願いします。A receipt, please.

Fares are metered, with a starting fare and extra charges late at night in many areas. Tipping isn’t expected, and drivers may insist on giving you exact change. Highway tolls are added to the fare.

Useful tips

  • Late at night after the last train, queues at taxi ranks can be long. Plan ahead or use an app.
  • Large suitcases may not fit in smaller taxis. For heavy luggage, consider sending it ahead. See sending luggage and parcels in Japan.
  • If you leave something in a taxi, keep the receipt: it shows the taxi company and number. See lost property in Japan.

For other ways to travel, see Japanese for trains and getting around and Japanese at the airport.

How Hanabuddies can help

Our native Japanese tutors teach one-to-one online, in English, and can practise travel situations like taxis, trains and hotels with you in role-plays before your trip. Your first 15 minutes are a free trial.